Originally reported by WISH-TV News. Read the original article here.

Work to begin on Youth Education Center | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country singer Jimmy Wayne can finally put his feet up.

He arrived in Phoenix Sunday with a broken foot after walking approximately 1700 miles over the past seven months. A high school marching band and dozens of fans walked with Wayne down the home stretch as he approached his destination at HomeBase Youth Services.

Wayne took steps gingerly with his right foot in a walking boot while people chanted his name.

Wayne started the “Meet Me Halfway” campaign Jan. 1 in Nashville with the goal of walking halfway across the country for at-risk youth, specifically for those in danger of aging out of the foster care system with no support or resources. He was a homeless teen, in and out of foster homes, until a couple took him at age 16.

__

Associated Press video producer Yvonne Leow in Phoenix contributed to this report.

__

Online:

http://meetmehalfway.jimmywayne.com/

Jimmy Wayne completes 7-month, 1700-mile walk (AP) | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Mayor Richard M. Daley said today that the “Safe Haven, Safe Summer” program, a partnership between Chicago Public Schools and 40 churches, will give an estimated 1,000 young people a positive alternative to hanging out in the streets this summer.

“With school out and summer here, I want to remind all Chicagoans that we all have a responsibility to end the cycle of violence that plagues too many of our neighborhoods and takes our children from us,” Daley said in a news conference held at Bethlehem Star Church, 9231 S. Cottage Grove, one of the participating churches.

“This violence, whose victims include many of our young people — only makes me more determined to ensure that, as a city, we’re doing all we can to give our children positive opportunities to help keep them out of harm’s way,” he said.

“Our police department is stepping up their strategies in our most troubled neighborhoods where our kids are most at risk. And, we’re piloting a new way of enforcing our city’s curfew, where kids who are in violation of it are connected with positive activities and mentoring,” he said.

The Mayor said that the “Safe Haven, Safe Summer” program is based on every Chicagoan’s shared commitment to do an even better job of keeping the City’s children safe and giving them a good start in life.

“We can’t allow our children to embrace a life of crime and wrongdoing. We must keep them involved in positive activities and away from violence and put them on the path to success in life,” he said.

“Safe Haven, Safe Summer” was established as a six-day program during the winter school break in December, 2009, with 24 churches serving about 500 young people between the ages of 5 and 17.

“The success of this program is a great example of how our faith-based community has once again accepted its responsibility to help protect our children,” the Mayor said.

The larger goal of the program is to reduce violence by using creative activities and the performing arts to build a “culture of calm” among our City’s young people.

Forty churches will partner under the “Safe Haven, Safe Summer” initiative which will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. weekdays from July 6 until August 6.

Each church will provide breakfast and lunch, security, T-Shirts, and bus transportation. The lunches have been donated by Catholic Charities of Chicago.

Mentors and college graduates from the church communities will be available to the students and will encourage awareness of the City’s “Stop the Violence, Stop the Silence” campaign aimed at ending the code of silence that protects too many criminals in Chicago’s neighborhoods.

And at the end of the program, there will be student performances on the “Stop the Violence, Stop the Silence” theme, including poetry, rap, singing and drama.

“’Safe Haven, Safe Summer’ will teach our young people important lessons about conflict resolution and community engagement – lessons that will benefit them all their lives,” Daley said.

Daley said “Safe Haven, Safe Holiday” is one of many other programs the City and its sister agencies and partners have established to provide more than 250,000 educational, athletic and other opportunities to keep Chicago’s young people constructively occupied this summer.

These include:

Athletic programs for more than 12,000 young people offered in partnership with World Sport Chicago and supported by money Chicago 2016 raised from the business community.

Arts, sports, technology, science and communications program for almost 7,000 Chicago teens offered by After School Matters.

And programs for thousands more young people offered by the Department of Family and Support Services, the Chicago Park District, the CAPS Program and the Police Department, CPS and the Chicago Public Library.

Daley said this summer’s programs build on the many other steps the City has taken to put its young people on the right track and away from gangs in the first place and to better protect every student from violence at school and on the way to and from school.

“We can’t be with our children every minute to keep them out of harm’s way. But we can create positive activities that give them an alternative to the streets and help set them on the right track in life.

“Our parents and guardians — along with community and faith-based groups — share the responsibility for protecting our children. We’re in this fight against gangs, guns and drugs together,” he said.

Safe Summer Safe Haven Locations

New Eclipse
715 W. 51st St.
Chicago, IL60609
773-592-2553
Contact: Pastor Zebadiah White

St. Stephen AME Church
3040 W. Washington
Chicago, IL60612
773-826-7009
Contact: Pastor Albert Tyson

Greater MorningViewChurch
2335 W. 100th St.
Chicago, IL60617
708-351-6176
Contact: Pastor Tyrone Harrington

PraiseTabernacleChurch
9511 S. Commercial
Chicago, IL60617
773-706-7972
Contact: Pastor Bishop Steve Jones

BethlehemStarChurch
9231 S. Cottage Grove
Chicago, IL60619
773-487-8078
Contact: Phyllis Watkins

Greater Institutional
7800 S. Indiana
Chicago, IL60619
773-873-0880
Contact: Pastor Walter Johnson

HoseaTempleChurch
966 E. 93rd St.
Chicago, IL60619
773-720-0872
Contact: Pastor Eddie Johnson

New Bethlehem #4 Church
8850 S. Cottage Grove
Chicago, IL60619
773-483-7251
Contact: Pastor Louis Montgomery

TrueLightChurch Baptist
7300 S. Maryland
Chicago, IL60619
773-789-7237
Contact: Pastor LaRue Kidd

1st CorinthianChurch
7500 S. Halsted
Chicago, IL60620
773-488-6519
Contact: Pastor James Thomas

St. Sabina Church
1210 W. 78th St.
Chicago, IL60620
773-483-4333
Contact: Father Mike Plfeger

New Mt.Pilgrim B. Church
4301 W. Washington
Chicago, IL60624
773-287-5051
Contact: Pastor Marshall Hatch

People’s Church of the Harvest
3570 W. Fifth Ave.
Chicago, IL60624
773-533-6877
Contact: Pastor Michael Eaddy

LilydaleFirstBaptistChurch
649 W. 133th St.
Chicago, IL60628
773-785-8623
Contact: Pastor Alvin Love

SheldonHeightsChurch
11325 S. Halsted
Chicago, IL60628
773-568-2929
Contact: Pastor L. Gilbert

St.JamesMinistries
11750 S. Lowe
Chicago, IL60628
312-909-9714
Contact: Pastor W. J. Campbell

LiberationChristianCenter
6810 S. Ashland
Chicago, IL60636
773-979-0444
Contact: Bishop James Dukes

New MemorialM.B.Church
6844 S. Indiana
Chicago, IL60637
773-488-6869
Contact: Pastor Roosevelt Walker

HeritageInternationalChurch
5312 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL60639
773-237-9600
Contact: Pastor Dwight Gunn

TrinityAllNationsChurch
9600 S. Vincennes
Chicago, IL60643
708-254-3583
Contact: Pastor Larry Roberts

TempleLife of Church
5040 W. Madison
Chicago, IL60646
773-272-1680
Contact: Pastor Al Reese

Home of LifeChurch
4650 W. Madison
Chicago, IL60646
773-626-8655
Contact: Pastor Johnnie Henderson

Come Alive Ministry
2206 E. 73rd St.
Chicago, IL60649
773-704-7218
Contact: Pastor Marrion Johnson

New SpiritualLightChurch
7566 S. Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL60649
773-734-5483
Contact: Pastor Walter Turner

Heirs of the Promise
4821 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL60651
708-906-1366
Contact: Rev. Joseph Kyles

New BirthChristianCenter
5335 W. Lemoyne
Chicago, IL60651
708-752-1980
Contact: Pastor Robbie Wilkerson

Truth and LifeChurch
4146 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL60651
773-395-6822
Contact: Pastor Cathy Palmer

BrightStarChurch
735 E. 44th St.
Chicago, IL60653
773-606-2880

Metropolitan ApostleChurch
4100 S. King Dr.
Chicago, IL60653
773-805-2654
Contact: Pastor Leon Finney

St. Mark International Christian Church
832 North Leclaire Ave.
Chicago, IL60651
(773) 378-4601
Contact: Pastor Andre Thurmond

Mt.VernonChurch
2622 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL
773-392-1902
Contact: Rev. Tinner and Pastor Johnny Miller

Another ChanceChurch
1641 W. 79th Street
Chicago, IL60620
773-846-3333
Contact: Pastor Kenyatta Smith

Church of God and Christ
4520 W. Washington Blvd.
Chicago, IL60624
708-218-6259
Contact: Pastor Wheatly

RhemaWordChurch
5460 W. Ohio St.
Chicago, IL
773-378-4327
Contact: Pastor Virgil Brackett

GospelTruthLifeChurch
5301 W. Madison
Chicago, IL
773-378-4800
Contact: Bishop Jeff Davis

PromiseCenter
13560 S. Indiana Ave.
Chicago, IL60827
708-743-8323
Contact: Dr. Margret White

New HomeBaptistChurch
4804 W. Polk Street
Chicago, IL60644
773-378-2235
Contact: Pecola Parker

Greater GarfieldParkChurch
3757 S. Douglas Park
Chicago, IL60623
773-277-1700
Contact: Cathy Crawford

Mt.EbenezerBaptistChurch
3555 W. Huron St.
Chicago, IL60624
773-552-3424
Contact: Laura Bass

Original Greater RockChurch
4955-59 W. Harrison
Chicago, IL60644
773-533-4299
Contact: Emma Burrage

Mayor Daley Says 40 Churches Will Serve 1,000 Young People This Year In “Safe Haven, Safe Summer” Program | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Michelle Pelton, a former high school basketball and softball player from Swansea, Mass., related to the House Education and Labor Committee how her life had been affected by the five concussions she had sustained.

“Every day I endure memory loss, lack of concentration, depression, slow processing speed and cognitive effects that make my everyday life a battle,” said Pelton, now 19.

Last October the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on head injuries in football, but the focus there was on life-altering injuries to professional football players.

“It was clear to us that if the NFL was paying attention to concussions at the professional level, we should be doing the same at the high school level,” said Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., chairman of the education committee.

Miller said high school athletes are at greater risk from sports-related concussions than older athletes because their younger brains are more susceptible to injury.

The Government Accountability Office, which does investigative work for Congress, issued a report finding that it’s difficult to determine how many concussions occur at the high school level and that estimates may be too low. Athletes not wanting to be sidelined may be reluctant to report symptoms of a possible concussion and agencies that track head injuries have different standards such as only counting injuries treated in an emergency room.

A law in Texas, one of the few states with statutes regarding concussions in high school sports, applies return-to-play requirements specifically to athletes who lose consciousness.

James Schmutz, head of American Sport Education Program, which provides coach education for youth sport, cited a 2009 report that put the number of concussions among high school athletes in nine sports at almost 400,000 in the 2005-2008 period.

“Moreover, the study discovered a disturbing disregard for the seriousness of the injury, with athletes often returning to practice and competition before it was safe and appropriate for them to do so,” he said.

Concussions are caused by a blow that forces the head to move rapidly back and forth. Concussions can affect memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance and muscle coordination, but some people do not suffer symptoms until days after the accident occurs.

The chances of long-term consequences increase with a repeat concussion.

Washington state last year passed what is considered the nation’s strongest return-to-play statute. Athletes under 18 who show symptoms can’t take the field again without a licensed health care provider’s written approval.

Congress urges attention to youth concussions | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

First she was selected along with three others by the Barrington Area Library to enter a national poetry contest sponsored by VOYA (Voices of Youth Advocates), but now Barrington resident Alicia Parrish has gone on to win in the national competition. She is one of five youth across the nation to have their poems selected as winning entries by VOYA.

Parrish’s poem is entitled “Like That Itch You Can’t Scratch.” Her poem follows:

Like the itch on your back that you can’t reach

Like that strand of hair that just won’t stay

Like that fish that just won’t bite

They’re like that song that you just can’t get out of your head

Mosquitoes

When the air is moist and thick

And you feel as if you are breathing soup

That’s when they strike

When the heat is unbearable

And your body is drained of energy to defend yourself

Against those pesky monsters

That’s when they strike

But when the earth cools

The air thins

And all is calm

Bask in the peace

The quiet

Till the crickets

Come to play their music

Parrish said she chose mosquitoes for her topic because, “I wanted to write about something that everyone could relate to and also feel strongly about.” She added, “I like writing about things that people can envision and I like using a lot of imagery.”

The VOYA contest is the first time Parrish has entered a poetry contest, but writing poems is not new to her as she remembers writing her first poem in either the second or third grade.

Parrish doesn’t have a favorite poet. ” I like the free verse style for writing poems. I don’t’ really have a favorite poet, but for a style, I’d pick free verse.” she said.

Parrish attends Barrington Middle School, Station Campus and is in the seventh grade. Her poem will be published in the April 2010 edition of VOYA’s journal. VOYA was founded in 1978 to help librarians and educators who work with young adults. To learn more about VOYA, visit www.voya.com.

• Send Your news to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com.

Read the original article on DailyHerald.com.

Barrington poetry contest winner also wins on the national level | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Not long ago, the social networking site Facebook launched a redesign that forced users to reset their privacy settings or be in danger of having their information open to anybody. But even with a profile set as private, Anastasia Goodstein says personal information still could get out.

And as teens get more immersed in social media, they should tread carefully, the author and blogger warns.

“They have to think about what they post before they post it,” Goodstein said. “If they are putting up something risque, they are taking a risk.”

Goodstein founded Youth Pulse, a youth-oriented Web site that features an award-winning blog. She will take part in the Glenbard Parent Series with her presentation, “Totally Wired: What Teens Are Really Doing Online.” She will speak to students this morning, then offer a free community program at 7 p.m. today at Glenbard West High School, 670 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

The talks will echo issues Goodstein explored in her book “Totally Wired: What Teens and Tweens Are Really Doing Online,” released in 2007.

The message, she said, is one of both caution and awareness. She said she hopes to impress on students that, while everything posted online is not necessarily private, they can use that as a way of promoting themselves.

“It’s really about privacy and online reputation management,” she said. “The more positive you put online, the lower the negative sinks.”

The presentation will cover topics that have emerged in recent years, such as cyber bullying and “sexting,” or sending sexually explicit materials to others by text message.

“There are still many parents who don’t know what any of this stuff is,” Goodstein said.

Gilda Ross, the school’s special projects coordinator, said the lecture should help parents better understand exactly what teens deal with online.

“It’s a different environment that kids have in schools nowadays,” Ross said.

If you go

What: “Totally Wired: What Teens Are Really Doing Online,” presented by author and award-winning blogger Anastasia Goodstein

When: 7 p.m. today

Where: Glenbard West High School, 670 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn

Cost: Free

Info: glenbard87.org

Read the original article on DailyHerald.com.

Glenbard parent series to tackle Internet issues | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The convention starts Friday and ends Sunday with Minister Louis Farrakhan’s speech.

Reform has been central to the Chicago-based movement that espouses black nationalism.

But the group has increased its work with teenagers, particularly after last year’s beating death of Chicago student Derrion Albert.

The teen’s graphic death was captured on a cell phone camera.

Ishmael Muhammad is the national assisting minister. He’s been speaking in schools since Albert’s death.

He says that later this year the Nation will start a youth mentoring program for those who were incarcerated.

On the Net:

Nation of Islam Saviours Day 2010: noisd.org

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Focus on youth key at Nation of Islam convention | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The Prince of Peace United Methodist Church Youth Group held a Valentine’s Dinner Saturday, Feb. 13, to raise funds for the church’s annual mission trip. This year’s theme was “Prince of Peace Celebrates the Sensational 60s”, which is part of a yearlong celebration of the church’s 50th anniversary.

The church’s youth served the dinner and also served up some great music from the 1960s. Sonny and Cher, The Beatles, Joan Baez, and Johnny Cash were portrayed by some very talented church members. The POP Alive band and the church’s choir also performed.

This year’s mission trip will take the Prince of Peace youth and adult sponsors to Steubenville, Ohio, where they will assist residents with home improvements and teach children at the local Kids Club.

Prince of Peace Church is located at Arlington Heights Road and Devon Avenue in Elk Grove Village.

• Send Your news to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com.

Read the original article on DailyHerald.com.

Prince of Peace revisits the 1960s at youth group fundraiser | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The Chicagoland Kids Expo returns to Schaumburg this weekend to offer a family-friendly antidote to cabin fever.

Under one roof, kids can work off their wiggles at a selection of moon walks, experience the thrill of Euro-Bungy or try out their pitching arms at the Schaumburg Flyers Professional Baseball Speed Pitch.

OK, it’s a really big roof.

All the fun takes place Saturday, Feb. 20, and Sunday, Feb., at the 100,000-square-foot Renaissance Convention Center. With a wide-open space, no columns and a 30-foot ceiling, it’s just right for kids who are born to run.

For parents, the 2010 Chicagoland Kids Expo is packed with more than 100 exhibits showcasing children’s products and services. Exhibitors include schools and day-care centers, summer camps, nanny and child-care services, financial planners, clothing and toys.

Kids will get a chance to meet Arthur, the world’s most famous aardvark. The roster of sports team mascots includes the Schaumburg Flyers’ Bearon, Chicago Fire’s Sparky and Chicago Sky’s Sky Guy.

Other attractions include balloon artists, magicians, face painters and clowns.

The FireZone offers an interactive, hands-on look into the world of firefighting. Zoo to You’s petting zoo will bring some of its exotic animals, such as a 12-foot albino Burmese python or blue-tongue skink, to the Main Stage at 11 a.m. both days.

The Main Stage lineup also includes the Chicago Sky Fly Kids at noon Saturday and Radio Disney Party Patrol at 2 p.m. both days. Christian Youth Theater performs at 4 p.m. both days on the Oaklee’s Guide Stage.

All that jumping, bouncing and dancing is bound to create an appetite. A large food court offers a wide selection of lunch and dinner meals, snacks and drinks.

For a complete schedule of entertainment and appearances, visit www.chicagokidsexpo.com.

Read the original article on DailyHerald.com.

Chicagoland Kids Expo returns to Schaumburg this weekend | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Supporters of the Arlington Heights Teen Center are inviting residents to bring ideas for saving the center to two upcoming events, but admit the money to save the center has not been found.

The Village Board has made it clear the center will close April 30 unless funding can be found outside village government, Village Manager Bill Dixon said Tuesday.

The Teen Center budget is $379,000, and the village board voted last fall to close the center to help fill a budget gap of $3 million. But when supporters crowded into a December board meeting in protest, trustees decided to delay the closing a few months, to see if money could be found.

This all happened before the village learned the Sheraton Chicago Northwest Hotel was closing, cutting an additional $400,000 from municipal revenue and further discouraging teen center supporters.

“At this moment a funding source of the magnitude needed has not been located,” said Dixon.

“I think the good news is that the program is well respected, much appreciated and the source of some support from the community, although the support is not financial,” he added.

The Arlington Heights Youth Commission welcomes anyone with ideas for saving the center to a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, in village hall.

Also, from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, the youth commission will host an open house at the center, 112 N. Belmont Ave. The hope is people can “see what a great place it is and what we’re in danger of losing,” said Kathy Scortino, co-chair of the youth commission.

“I refuse to give up hope,” said Scortino. “We are working hard. We’re looking for a new model, perhaps, that will allow us to maintain the center and the high quality of people that are working there.”

She is also on a committee of interested citizens that is meeting every week. That panel might put different options on the table when the village board tackles the budget early next month, said James McCalister, director of health services and the village department head who oversees the Teen Center.

Scortino favors cutting back on programs during the hard economic times, “knowing that we can build them back up again.

“Don’t get rid of it completely and (have to) start from scratch at some future point,” she urged.

Ideas being floated include charging youngsters membership fees and reinvigorating Teen Center Inc., a not-for-profit foundation, she said.

“I just believe that kids need to know that they’re cared about, that their community has a place for them that’s safe and supervised by caring and knowledgeable adults,” said Scortino, a counselor.

The Arlington Heights Park District cannot react to what its role with the Teen Center might be until after the committee working with McCalister reports a plan, said Steve Scholten, executive director.

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library, like all governmental entities, is in tight economic circumstances itself, and must put its resources toward its own, long-standing teen programs, said Paula Moore, executive director.

Read the original article on DailyHerald.com.

As April 30 deadline looms, money to save Arlington teen center elusive | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The Award recognizes outstanding environmental protection and conservation projects created and developed by Illinois students.

“If you have recently participated in an environmental or conservation project, I encourage you to submit an application for a Governor’s Green Youth Award,” said Director Scott.

“Teachers who support these projects reinforce the value of helping to protect environment to Illinois’ youth.”

Classrooms or individual students currently enrolled in K – 12 school, scouts, 4-H or others, and who have participated in an environmental project started no earlier than 2008 are eligible for the award.

The project must involve one or more of the following categories:  waste reduction; prevention/reduction of pollution in the air (climate change/global warming), land or water; restoration, preservation or enhancement of natural areas; and energy or water efficiency.

An application and additional information about the program are available from the Illinois EPA Web site at:  epa.state.il.us/green-youth/index.html, or by calling Deirdre McQuillen at 217-558-0073 or email Deirdre.McQuillen@illinois.gov.

The deadline for applications is Friday, March 19, 2010.

The Awards ceremony will be held on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.  Winners will receive a ticket to the Museum, in addition to their award.

Examples of past winning projects include:

• Waste Reduction: a school-wide recycling program that encouraged not only recycling but also waste reduction and environmental education
• Reducing Water Pollution: a storm sewer stenciling project
• Restoration/Preservation: the creation of a wetland area
• Energy Efficiency: school-wide energy audit and facilitation guide

Illinois EPA to recognize environmental projects by Illinois youth; Agency accepting project applications from Illinois students | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

“The National Runaway Switchboard is a valuable resource for runaway and homeless youth and their families,” said Mike Lufrano, Cubs senior vice president, community affairs.

“The Cubs are proud to support National Runaway Switchboard and the work they do in our community. This is our fourth consecutive Thanksgiving together and we have seen first hand the impact it can make.”

National Runaway Switchboard’s mission is to keep America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets.

The organization operates a national communication system for runaway and homeless youth through its 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis hotline and 1800RUNAWAY.org Web site.

Youth and family members call the hotline to work through problems and to find local agencies and organizations to help.

“November is National Runaway Prevention Month and this dinner provides National Runaway Switchboard the opportunity to educate area runaway and homeless youth about the help they can receive by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY,” said Maureen Blaha, National Runaway Switchboard executive director.

“And thanks to the Cubs, we’re able to let these youth know they’re not alone and help is available.”

The youth come to the dinner from local organizations including: The Night Ministry Open Door Shelter Lake View, The Night Ministry Open Door Shelter West Town, Center on Halsted, Teen Living Program/Belfort House, Heartland Alliance/Neon Street Program, Alternatives Inc., La Casa Norte, and Boys and Girls Town Shelter.

Several members of the Chicago Cubs front office staff and WGN’s Cubs television producer Bob Vorwald will volunteer at the event.

For more information on the event, contact the Cubs Community Affairs office at 773-404-CUBS or Joel Kessel of the National Runway Switchboard at 773-209-6125.

National Runaway Switchboard Statistics

National Runaway Switchboard is the national communication system for homeless and runaway youth. Through its 1-800-RUNAWAY national crisis hotline, the organization handled 114,097 calls in 2008.

Out of all crisis calls National Runaway Switchboard handled throughout the country with youth in 2008, more than 50 percent were already on the street as a runaway, throwaway, or homeless youth.

And it is estimated that between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away in a year in the United States. The top reasons youth call are family dynamics (divorce, remarriage, problems with siblings) and abuse (substance, physical, sexual, neglect).

About National Runaway Switchboard

Established in 1971, National Runaway Switchboard serves as the federally designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth.

Recognized as the oldest hotline of its kind in the world, National Runaway Switchboard, with the support of more than 150 volunteers, handles an average of 100,000 calls annually-more than 3 million calls since the organization’s inception.

NATIONAL RUNAWAY SWITCHBOARD provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, and education and prevention services to youth, families and community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

More than 13,000 youth have been reunited with their families through National Runaway Switchboard’s Home Free program done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines, Inc.

National Runaway Switchboard’s crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY.

For more information, visit 1800RUNAWAY.org.

Chicago Cubs, National Runaway Switchboard Host Holiday Dinner for Runaway and Homeless Youth | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Educators and youth group leaders may apply for up to $600 from the Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant and/or up to $500 from the Rain Garden Initiative.

“Today’s youth need opportunities to become involved in the natural world,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller. “These two grant programs can actively engage students in outdoor educational activities that benefit wildlife and our environment.”

The Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant has been available since 1995 and has provided more than $92,000 in funds. The Jadel Youth Foundation and the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation are major program sponsors.

Butterfly gardens, prairie plots, wetlands, outdoor classrooms, bird nesting boxes and many other projects have been developed by students statewide with the assistance of these funds.

The Rain Garden Initiative began in 2005 through (then) Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn’s office with financial support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The program has recently been transferred to the ICF.

Rain gardens utilize native plants to help control storm water runoff, increase wildlife habitat and address flooding concerns. A rain garden is designed to have a depression in the center to collect water.

The instructions and application forms for both programs may be accessed at dnr.state.il.us/education/CLASSRM/grants.htm.

All applications must be postmarked by Nov. 30, 2009.

Teachers, youth group leaders and others are encouraged to apply. See the grant applications for details.

The ICF administers both of these grants. The Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program is funded by private donations. Partial funding for the Rain Garden Initiative is provided through a Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service.

For more information, contact Dick Little of the ICF at 217-557-0500 or dick.little@illinois.gov or Valerie Keener of the IDNR at Valerie.keener@illinois.gov or 217-785-0973.

Applications now Available for Two Educational Grants; Grant Programs Support Natural Resources Stewardship | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The announcement, made at the James R. Jordan Boys and Girls Club and Chicago Bulls Family Life Center on the West Side of Chicago, is another move in Governor Quinn’s continuing effort to stress the importance of anti-violence programs for youths and the positive influence such efforts have on our community.

“I am proud to team up with B.J. Armstrong, who is a great role model for our youth because he’s a winner on the basketball court and in the all-important game of life. In his new role, B.J. Armstrong will continue to guide and assist young people in Chicago and throughout our state,” said Governor Quinn. “It is essential that we continue to support programs that strengthen communities and provide our children with healthy alternatives to risky behavior.”

Armstrong will advise the Governor on youth sports and programs related to curtailing obesity, promoting sportsmanship and civic engagement, and strengthening community support for youth.

He will also work on projects dealing specifically with children and youth after-school programs. The position is honorary and unpaid.

“Young people who are subject to violence and crime need strong support from their community and family to stay healthy and safe,” said Armstrong. “I thank Governor Quinn for appointing me to this position, which allows me to positively impact our youth.”

As a starting point guard for the Chicago Bulls in the early 1990s, Armstrong was a key member of the team dynasty that dominated the National Basketball Association (NBA) and won six championships in eight years with legendary players that included Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

In 1994, Armstrong was voted a starter in the NBA All-Star game and finished second in the league in three-point field goal percentage. Until late in the 1996-1997 season, he had played 577 consecutive games. Armstrong has three NBA championship rings.

The James R. Jordan Boys and Girls Club and Chicago Bulls Family Life Center offers visitors the opportunity to play basketball in the state-of-the-art gymnasium, receive employment skills training, make use of day care service for infants and toddlers, and cook a meal in the restaurant-like kitchen, among other things.

The Center is just a few blocks from the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls.

Gov. Pat Quinn Names Chicago Bulls Great B.J. Armstrong As Senior Advisor for Youth Outreach | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has unveiled a new interactive tool to keep families informed about outdoor youth activities going on throughout the state.

The new online calendar features descriptions and information about hundreds of youth activities happening at state parks and other areas across Illinois.

“Youth recruitment is a top priority of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller. “Many children today suffering from “nature deficit disorder” and one reason for that may be that parents simply aren’t aware or don’t know where to look for outdoor opportunities.

This calendar is an easy tool to quickly see the many different types of activities available close to home.”

The calendar, which is located on the DNR website, contains information on upcoming programs, educational opportunities as well as links to other resources. By logging on, you can also sign up for e-mail announcements that will alert you to upcoming youth events in your area.

“There is nothing more important than fostering a love and appreciation of the outdoors in our youth,” said IDNR Assistant Director, John Rogner. “We hope that this calendar will help us grow a new generation of conservation stewards in Illinois.”

The youth program online calendar can be found at dnr.state.il.us/youthprograms.

If you have any questions about an upcoming program, or have something you would like to add to the calendar, please contact Olivia Dorothy, at 217-557-1214.

IDNR Launches New Interactive Calendar Focused on Outdoor Youth Events | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Today, Chicago 2016 and World Sport Chicago announced the launch of World Sport Chicago Scholars, created to help Chicago youth prepare for and succeed in college.

Through this program, as many as 56 high school student athletes will receive assistance with college access and compete for scholarships of up to $10,000 per year for a total of four years. Funding for the scholarships is supported, in part, by a $900,000 grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

“Chicago 2016 believes in empowering youth,” said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016. “Through strong partnerships with community organizations and among the many dedicated academic and athletic leaders, we are creating a living legacy by reaching children across many avenues. These positive influences will take them beyond high school, into college and well into their adult lives.”

As the living legacy of Chicago 2016, World Sport Chicago promotes the Olympic values and ideals through new and expanded sport and educational programming.

High School juniors who live and study in Chicago and have participated in an Olympic or Paralympic sport for two seasons in the past three years are eligible to apply for the World Sport Chicago Scholars program. Athletes of all levels are encouraged to apply. Commitment to the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect on the playing field, in school and in the community will be the primary consideration during the evaluation process.

Fifty-six students will be chosen to become World Sport Chicago Scholars and participate in a college access and mentoring program that encourages academic and personal success. In order to encourage greater participation in a wide number of sports, the program’s goal is to award scholarships to a boy and a girl in 28 different sport disciplines. World Sport Chicago Scholars will also be eligible to compete for one of 16 renewable college scholarships worth up to $10,000 annually per student ($40,000 total). The scholarship program will proceed regardless of the outcome of the city’s bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“World Sport Chicago is incredibly excited to contribute to the success of the city’s deserving students,” said Bill Scherr, chairman of World Sport Chicago. “This program recognizes those who exhibit strong values on and off the field. It extends to athletes whose involvement in Olympic and Paralympic sport may vary from casual participation to highly-competitive.”

“MacArthur has a deep commitment to Chicago communities and World Sport Chicago Scholars will bring the Olympic spirit, love for sports, and a challenge for academic achievement right into the neighborhoods,” said Julia Stasch, MacArthur vice president for U.S. programs.

World Sport Chicago is working with Kaplan, Inc., to provide ACT test preparatory courses to students participating in the scholarship program to prepare for the spring 2010 ACT exam.

“Kaplan is pleased to partner with World Sport Chicago and Chicago 2016 in their effort to help deserving student athletes achieve their college goals,” said Lynette Boone, director of pre-college programs for Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions.  “We share their belief in encouraging academic and personal success, and support the efforts of WSC, Chicago 2016 and their partners in helping young people achieve the dream of higher education.”

World Sport Chicago Scholars will be administered by Chicago Scholars Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) corporation that provides administrative support and offers comprehensive best practice programs for college admissions and graduation success, such as workshops on writing the college application essay, financial aid and making smooth transitions to college.

“We are thrilled to partner with World Sport Chicago and Kaplan to honor the achievements of scholar athletes,” said Karen G. Foley, president of Chicago Scholars Foundation. “It shows that Chicago knows how to work together to support our city’s tremendous college bound talent with ACT tutoring, mentoring and college scholarships so that they are equipped not only to attend college but to earn their degrees.”

“Our sincerest thanks to the MacArthur Foundation, Kaplan and the Chicago Scholars Foundation for coming together to make this program possible for the youth of our city,” said Ryan.

Additional information and application materials can be obtained from the World Sport Chicago website and also at wscscholars.org.  Interested candidates must submit completed applications by the November 30, 2009 deadline.

About Chicago 2016

Chicago 2016 is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to seek the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Chicago. The committee’s board consists of business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Patrick Ryan serves as the organization’s chairman and CEO.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Chicago 2016 media line, +1.312.861.4826
media@chicago2016.org

Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Delegation and World Sport Chicago Announce Youth Scholarship Program | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Chicago Youth Boxers Return from Sport Exchange in Ireland | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.